Abigail dreams of liquorice

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Abigail dreams of liquorice

Wednesday, October 16th, 2013 by Abigail Donnelly

The first time I tasted liquorice ice cream I was hooked. One problem, though: it was in a deli in Sydney and I haven’t found a supplier since. (I do hope that local ice cream makers – The Creamery, Sorbetiere, Fanny Chanel and Cold Gold – are reading.)

I have always loved anything made from this unattractive woody root, whether a salty Dutch drop or an old-fashioned sweet strip, which I buy at the local cafe.

Catching the train to work on most days, I often sneak a treat from the sweet man who fills his basket with Wilson’s extra large liquorice toffees. I’ve tried melting them down and mixing them into a custard before churning. Not a bad result, but I still need an extract and real colouring to make it jet black.

Often one can pick up liquorice notes in red wine and, of course, a flaming Sambucca (which, strangely enough, I can’t do) as well as star anise with its lovely, earthy flavour that adds an authentic touch, especially with soya, to Asian recipes or in fruity and spicy chutneys. In my judging for this year’s Eat Out DStv Food Network Awards (see the list of 20 nominees here), I’ve also noticed that chefs are dusting the root lightly onto the rims of plates.

Now all I need is the magic potion in a bottle!

Abigail

Photograph: DR_Kelly

liquorice

3 Comments

Rikke
September 19, 2014

I wish I could find liquorice root powder here in Cape town.
I too, am a great fan of liquorice, especially the salty kind (being Danish)
Sinful used to make a really good liquorice ice cream, I wonder if they still do? I would like to attempt to make liquorice syrup. (woollies has some wonderful organic liquorice for about R29 a packet) I wonder if one could melt that down with some water and add a bit of salt and stir into or pour over vanilla ice cream? I believe melting liquorice as not as easy as it sounds?

Reply

Eat Out
September 29, 2014

Hi Rikke, thanks for your comment! It is possible to melt liquorice with a little water – it does take a bit of time though. Chef’s Warehouse on Bree Street in Cape Town do sell a liquorice essence. Let us know how it all turns out!
Carolyn
December 11, 2014

Not sure if you are still looking for this, but I buy liquorice root powder from Durbell pharmacy in Tygervalley centre. It’s quite a big bag for around R45